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United States Patent | 5,257,431 |
Larson ,   et al. | * November 2, 1993 |
An array of non-contact proximity sensors are mounted adjacent the front bumper of the loading bridge to be in opposition to the airplane. The proximity sensors are interconnected to circuitry, and the approach speed of the gangway to the airplane is reduced automatically as it nears the airplane. The sensors and circuitry sense angular misalignment of the gangway with the airplane and selectively and automatically control its position relative to the airplane.
Inventors: | Larson; James (East Hills, NY); Mack; Roy (Mineola, NY) |
Assignee: | Bridgetech, Inc. (Brentwood, NY) |
[*] Notice: | The portion of the term of this patent subsequent to April 21, 2009 has been disclaimed. |
Appl. No.: | 813987 |
Filed: | December 26, 1991 |
Current U.S. Class: | 14/71.5 |
Intern'l Class: | F01D 001/00 |
Field of Search: | 14/71.1,71.3,71.5,71.7 |
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3606626 | Sep., 1971 | Eggert, Jr. | 14/71. |
3683440 | Aug., 1972 | Xanakis et al. | 14/71. |
3694724 | Sep., 1972 | Eggert, Jr. | 14/71. |
3913757 | Oct., 1975 | Lovey | 14/71. |
4112958 | Sep., 1978 | Anderberg | 14/71. |
4559660 | Dec., 1985 | Lichti | 14/71. |
4817223 | Apr., 1989 | Kock | 14/71. |